ß-Estradiol Supplementation Regulates Cholesterol Synthesis Independent of Unsaturated Fat Consumption in Adult Zebrafish.

Obesity is a public health concern resulting in a variety of health complications, including heart disease and insulin resistance. Estrogens have been associated with a reduced risk of obesity, but this relationship remains incompletely understood. We assessed the role of 17ß-estradiol (E2) in mitigating complications associated with obesity by supplementing E2 in the diets of overfed zebrafish. We report that dietary E2 supplementation protects against weight gain and modulates de novo cholesterol synthesis in a sex-specific manner. Our studies lead us to propose a model in which E2 regulates hmgcr expression independently of unsaturated fat consumption. These data can be used to develop sex-specific treatments for obesity-related health conditions.

[Research on mechanism of hypolipidemic effect of Massa Medicata Fermentata based on metabolomics].

This paper aims to study the therapeutic effect of Massa Medicata Fermentata on hyperlipidemia model rats and investigate its mechanism of hypolipidemic effect with the help of non-targeted metabolomics. The mixed hyperlipidemia model rats were constructed by giving high-fat chow. After successful modeling, the rats were divided into the model group, pravastatin sodium group(4.4 mg·kg~(-1)), lipotropic group(0.1 g·kg~(-1)), high-dose group(2.4 g·kg~(-1)), medium-dose group(1.2 g·kg~(-1)), and low-dose group(0.6 g·kg~(-1)) of Massa Medicata Fermentata, and they were administered for four weeks once daily. An equal volume of ultrapure water was given to the blank group and model group. Serum lipid level and liver hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining were used as indicators to estimate the intervention effect of Massa Medicata Fermentata on mixed hyperlipidemia, and the changes in metabolites in plasma of mixed hyperlipidemia model rats were analyzed by non-targeted metabolomics. The mechanism of the hypolipidemic effect of Massa Medicata Fermentata was analyzed through metabolite pathway enrichment. The results showed that compared with the model group, the Massa Medicata Fermentata administration group, especially the high-dose group, could significantly reduce the content of total cholesterol(TC), triglyceride(TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-c)(P<0.05 or P<0.01), and liver HE staining revealed that the number of adipocytes in the high-dose group was reduced to some extent. The potential biomarkers obtained by non-targeted metabolomics screening included glycerol 3-phosphate, sphingomyelin, sphingosine 1-phosphate, and deoxyuridine, which were mainly involved in the sphingolipid metabolism process, glycerophospholipid metabolism process, glycerol ester metabolism pathway, and pyrimidine metabolism pathway, totaling four possible metabolic pathways related to lipid metabolism. This study provides a reference for an in-depth investigation of the hypolipidemic mechanism of Massa Medicata Fermentata, which is of great significance for further promoting the clinical application of Massa Medicata Fermentata and increasing the indications.

Exploring the Hypocholesterolemic Potential of a Fucus vesiculosus Extract: Omic Insights into Molecular Mechanisms at the Intestinal Level.

High blood cholesterol levels are a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. A purified aqueous extract of Fucus vesiculosus, rich in phlorotannins and peptides, has been described for its potential to inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis and intestinal absorption. In this work, the effect of this extract on intestinal cells' metabolites and proteins was analysed to gain a deeper understanding of its mode of action on lipids' metabolism, particularly concerning the absorption and transport of exogenous cholesterol. Caco-2 cells, differentiated into enterocytes, were exposed to the extract, and analysed by untargeted metabolomics and proteomics. The results of the metabolomic analysis showed statistically significant differences in glutathione content of cells exposed to the extract compared to control cells, along with an increased expression of fatty acid amides in exposed cells. A proteomic analysis showed an increased expression in cells exposed to the extract compared to control cells of FAB1 and NPC1, proteins known to be involved in lipid metabolism and transport. To the extent of our knowledge, this study is the first use of untargeted metabolomics and a proteomic analysis to investigate the effects of F. vesiculosus on differentiated Caco-2 cells, offering insights into the molecular mechanism of the extract's compounds on intestinal cells.

Association between the circulating very long-chain saturated fatty acid and cognitive function in older adults: findings from the NHANES.

BACKGROUND: Age-related cognitive decline has a significant impact on the health and longevity of older adults. Circulating very long-chain saturated fatty acids (VLSFAs) may actively contribute to the improvement of cognitive function. The objective of this study was to investigate the associations between arachidic acid (20:0), docosanoic acid (22:0), tricosanoic acid (23:0), and lignoceric acid (24:0) with cognitive function in older adults. METHODS: This study used a dataset derived from the 2011-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). A total of 806 adults (≥ 60 years) were included who underwent comprehensive cognitive testing and plasma fatty acid measurements. Multivariable linear regression, restricted cubic spline (RCS), and interaction analyses were used to assess associations between VLSFAs and cognitive function. Partial Spearman' s correlation analysis was used to examine the correlations between VLSFAs and palmitic acid (16:0), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides, systemic inflammatory markers, and dietary nutrients. RESULTS: Multivariable linear regression analysis, adjusting for sociodemographic, clinical conditions, and lifestyle factors, showed that 22:0 and 24:0 levels were positively associated with better global cognitive function (ß = 0.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.01, 0.73; ß = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.29, 1.2, respectively) as well as better CEARD-DR Z-score (ß = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.36, 1.3 and ß = 1.2, 95% CI = 0.63, 1.8, respectively). RCS analysis showed linear associations between higher 22:0 and 24:0 levels and better cognitive performance in both global cognitive function and CERAD-DR tests. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that higher levels of 22:0 and 24:0 are associated with better global cognitive function in older adults. 22:0 and 24:0 may be important biomarkers for recognizing cognitive impairment, and supplementation with specific VLSFAs (22:0 and 24:0) may be an important intervention to improve cognitive function. Further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying biological mechanisms between VLSFAs and cognitive function.

Edible wild plants, chicory and purslane, alleviated diabetic testicular dysfunction, and insulin resistance via suppression 8OHdg and oxidative stress in rats.

Testicular dysfunction is a prevalent health problem frequently reported in individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM). Oxidative-inflammatory reactions, hormonal and spermatic abnormalities often accompany this illness. Herbal remedies "particularly wild plants" including chicory (Chicorium Intybus) and purslane (Portulaca Oleracea) are emerging as popular agents for people dealing with these issues due to their ability to act as antioxidants, reduce inflammation, and exhibit antidiabetic effects. According to the collected data, the daily administration of chicory (Ch) seed-extract (250 mg/kg) or purslane (Pu) seed-extract (200 mg/kg) to streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats (50 mg/kg) for 30 days resulted in the normalization of fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum fructosamine, insulin levels, and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), as well as reducing lipid peroxidation end-product malondialdehyde (MDA) level, aldehyde oxidase (AO) and xanthene oxidase (XO) activities. While caused a considerable improvement in glutathione (GSH) content, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) activity, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) when compared to diabetic rats. Ch and Pu extracts had a substantial impact on testicular parameters including sperm characterization, testosterone level, vimentin expression along with improvements in body and testis weight. They also mitigated hyperlipidemia by reducing total lipids (TL), total cholesterol (TC) levels, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), while increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Furthermore, oral administration of either Ch or Pu notably attuned the elevated proinflammatory cytokines as tumor necrotic factor (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) together with reducing apoptosis and DNA damage. This was achieved through the suppression of DNA-fragmentation marker 8OHdG, triggering of caspase-3 immuno-expression, and elevation of Bcl-2 protein. The histological studies provided evidence supporting the preventive effects of Ch and Pu against DM-induced testicular dysfunction. In conclusion, Ch and Pu seed-extracts mitigate testicular impairment during DM due to their antihyperglycemic, antilipidemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties.

Key lifestyles and health outcomes across 16 prevalent chronic diseases: A network analysis of an international observational study.

Background: Central and bridge nodes can drive significant overall improvements within their respective networks. We aimed to identify them in 16 prevalent chronic diseases during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic to guide effective intervention strategies and appropriate resource allocation for most significant holistic lifestyle and health improvements. Methods: We surveyed 16 512 adults from July 2020 to August 2021 in 30 territories. Participants self-reported their medical histories and the perceived impact of COVID-19 on 18 lifestyle factors and 13 health outcomes. For each disease subgroup, we generated lifestyle, health outcome, and bridge networks. Variables with the highest centrality indices in each were identified central or bridge. We validated these networks using nonparametric and case-dropping subset bootstrapping and confirmed central and bridge variables' significantly higher indices through a centrality difference test. Findings: Among the 48 networks, 44 were validated (all correlation-stability coefficients >0.25). Six central lifestyle factors were identified: less consumption of snacks (for the chronic disease: anxiety), less sugary drinks (cancer, gastric ulcer, hypertension, insomnia, and pre-diabetes), less smoking tobacco (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), frequency of exercise (depression and fatty liver disease), duration of exercise (irritable bowel syndrome), and overall amount of exercise (autoimmune disease, diabetes, eczema, heart attack, and high cholesterol). Two central health outcomes emerged: less emotional distress (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, eczema, fatty liver disease, gastric ulcer, heart attack, high cholesterol, hypertension, insomnia, and pre-diabetes) and quality of life (anxiety, autoimmune disease, cancer, depression, diabetes, and irritable bowel syndrome). Four bridge lifestyles were identified: consumption of fruits and vegetables (diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, and insomnia), less duration of sitting (eczema, fatty liver disease, and heart attack), frequency of exercise (autoimmune disease, depression, and heart attack), and overall amount of exercise (anxiety, gastric ulcer, and insomnia). The centrality difference test showed the central and bridge variables had significantly higher centrality indices than others in their networks (P < 0.05). Conclusion: To effectively manage chronic diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic, enhanced interventions and optimised resource allocation toward central lifestyle factors, health outcomes, and bridge lifestyles are paramount. The key variables shared across chronic diseases emphasise the importance of coordinated intervention strategies.

Effects of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) consumption on serum lipid profile: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: According to traditional medicine, Melissa officinalis L., (lemon balm) has been known to remove harmful substances from the blood and is considered a cardiac tonic. Therefore, its use as a cardiovascular remedy may explain the lipid-lowering effects of lemon balm. Dyslipidemia can be considered as a significant preventable risk factor for atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The present study is the first meta-analysis to investigate the effects of M. officinalis administration on serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC). METHODS: From inception to October 2023, a thorough search through literature was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The inclusion criteria of this study were randomized controlled trials, with or without blinding which provided adequate data for each group at the beginning and end of the follow-up period. Meta-analysis was performed on randomized controlled trials using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) V4 software. Risk of bias in the selected studies was examined according to the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials. Begg's funnel plot symmetry status, Begg's rank correlation, and Egger's weighted regression tests were employed to evaluate potential publication bias. RESULTS: The meta-analysis comprised of 5 randomized controlled trials with a total of 302 patients. The findings of the meta-analysis indicated that the consumption of lemon balm had a significant decrease in TG (SMD (95% CI): -0.396(-0.620, -0.173), p-value = 0.001), TC (SMD (95% CI): -0.416 (-0.641, -0.192), p-value < 0.001) and LDL (SMD (95% CI): -0.23(-0.45, -0.008), p < 0.05) levels compared to the placebo group. While it had no statistically significant effect on HDL level (SMD (95% CI): 0.336(-0.091, 0.767), p-value = 0.123). No significant and detectable publication bias was found in the meta-analysis. Additionally, all included clinical studies demonstrated a low risk of bias for missing outcome data and selection of the reported results. The robustness of the results was demonstrated by a sensitivity analysis using the one-study remove method. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this meta-analysis provide evidence that lemon balm may be administered as a safe and beneficial herbal medicine for reducing TC, TG and LDL levels. According to the pooled results of 5 studies with a total of 302 patients, lemon balm intake had no significant effect on HDL level. This study reinforces the notion that lemon balm may have a substantial impact on serum lipid profile as a potential remedy in cases of dyslipidemia. The main concern of our research is the limited number of eligible studies and the relatively small population size of each individual study. The patients of these studies had different types of diseases and metabolic syndromes. However, the meta-analysis was sufficiently powered to detect the considerable effects of lemon balm in the combined population regardless of type of diseases.

Effects of in ovo injection of organic selenium on the hatchability of broiler breeder hen eggs and resulting chick physiology and performance.

BACKGROUND: Selenium is an essential mineral for poultry. The conflicting reports about its in ovo injection are the justification for the more detailed investigation. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of in ovo injection of organic selenium on the hatching traits of broiler chickens and their performance. METHODS: Three hundred and twenty eggs of Ross 308 strain with an average weight of 65 g and 160 chicks were randomly divided into 4 treatment groups (each with 8 replicates of 10 eggs each for hatching parameters and 4 replicates of 10 chicks for broiler farming parameters): negative control (no injection), positive control (in ovo injection of 0.272 mL of normal saline solution) and 2 selenium treatments (in ovo injection of 2.72 or 5.44 µg of organic selenium). Injection was into the amniotic sac on the 10th day of incubation. Effects of in ovo injection on hatching and performance traits, blood parameters, immune responses, carcass characteristics, meat fatty acid profile, cecal microbial population and selenium consternation in the tibia were measured. RESULTS: Fewer chicks from the injected treatments hatched than from the negative control group (p < 0.01). However, the injection of selenium increased feed intake and the final weight of the birds (p < 0.01). Blood parameters were also affected. Glucose and cholesterol in experimental treatment chicks was lower than those of the controls (p < 0.01), whereas blood lipoproteins (VLDL, LDL and HDL) and the ratio of cholesterol to HDL was significantly increased in the treatments injected with selenium (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the immune response or microbial population between the experimental groups, but carcass components, such as thigh, breast, wing and abdominal fat weight, were significantly greater in the selenium treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Intra-egg injection of organic selenium produced favourable effects on performance of broiler chickens, although it had no effect on immune response or microbial population. However, the negative effect on hatching of chickens needs to be prevented to result in an acceptable economic return for the producer.

A strategic study of acupuncture for diabetic kidney disease based on meta-analysis and data mining.

Objective: The specific benefit and selection of acupoints in acupuncture for diabetic kidney disease (DKD) remains controversial. This study aims to explore the specific benefits and acupoints selection of acupuncture for DKD through meta-analysis and data mining. Methods: Clinical trials of acupuncture for DKD were searched in eight common databases. Meta-analysis was used to evaluate its efficacy and safety, and data mining was used to explore its acupoints selection. Results: Meta-analysis displayed that compared with the conventional drug group, the combined acupuncture group significantly increased the clinical effective rate (risk ratio [RR] 1.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20 to 1.51, P < 0.00001) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (mean difference [MD] 0.36, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.46, P < 0.00001), significantly reduced the urinary albumin (MD -0.39, 95% CI -0.42 to -0.36, P < 0.00001), urinary microalbumin (MD -32.63, 95% CI -42.47 to -22.79, P < 0.00001), urine ß2-microglobulin (MD -0.45, 95% CI -0.66 to -0.24, P < 0.0001), serum creatinine (MD -15.36, 95% CI -21.69 to -9.03, P < 0.00001), glycated hemoglobin A1c (MD -0.69, 95% CI -1.18 to -0.19, P = 0.006), fasting blood glucose (MD -0.86, 95% CI -0.90 to -0.82, P < 0.00001), 2h postprandial plasma glucose (MD -0.87, 95% CI -0.92 to -0.82, P < 0.00001), total cholesterol (MD -1.23, 95% CI -2.05 to -0.40, P = 0.003), triglyceride (MD -0.69, 95% CI -1.23 to -0.15, P = 0.01), while adverse events were comparable. Data mining revealed that CV12, SP8, SP10, ST36, SP6, BL20, BL23, and SP9 were the core acupoints for DKD treated by acupuncture. Conclusion: Acupuncture improved clinical symptoms, renal function indices such as uALB, umALB, uß2-MG, and SCR, as well as blood glucose and blood lipid in patients with DKD, and has a favorable safety profile. CV12, SP8, SP10, ST36, SP6, BL20, BL23, and SP9 are the core acupoints for acupuncture in DKD, and this program is expected to become a supplementary treatment for DKD.

Nephroprotective and Anti-Diabetic Potential of Beta vulgaris L. Root (Beetroot) Methanolic Extract in a Rat Model of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Background and Objectives: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease associated with several complications, including that of kidney disease. Plant-based dietary products have shown promise in mitigating these effects to improve kidney function and prevent tissue damage. This study assessed the possible favorable effects of beetroot extract (BE) in improving kidney function and preventing tissue damage in diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was induced using a low dose of streptozotocin (STZ). Both control and rats with pre-established T2DM were divided into six groups (each consisting of eight rats). All treatments were given by gavage and continued for 12 weeks. Fasting blood glucose levels, serum fasting insulin levels, Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), serum triglycerides, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, serum and urinary albumin, and creatinine and urea levels were measured. Apart from this, glutathione, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukine-6 in the kidney homogenates of all groups of rats were measured, and the histopathological evaluation of the kidney was also performed. Results: It was observed that treatment with BE increased body weight significantly (p ≤ 0.05) to be similar to that of control groups. Fasting glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR levels, and lipid profile in the plasma of the pre-established T2DM rats groups decreased to p ≤ 0.05 in the BE-treated rats as the BE concentration increased. Treatment with BE also improved the renal levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, urinary albumin, and serum creatinine and urea levels. Unlike all other groups, only the kidney tissues of the T2DM + BE (500 mg/kg) rats group showed normal kidney tissue structure, which appears to be similar to those found in the kidney tissues of the control rats groups. Conclusion: we found that streptozotocin administration disturbed markers of kidney dysfunction. However, Beta vulgaris L. root extract reversed these changes through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic mechanisms.

Hawthorn leaf flavonoids alleviate the deterioration of atherosclerosis by inhibiting SCAP-SREBP2-LDLR pathway through sPLA2-â ¡A signaling in macrophages in mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Hawthorn leaves are a combination of the dried leaves of the Rosaceae plants, i.e., Crataegus pinnatifida Bge. or Crataegus pinnatifida Bge. var. major N. E. Br., is primarily cultivated in East Asia, North America, and Europe. hawthorn leaf flavonoids (HLF) are the main part of extraction. The HLF have demonstrated potential in preventing hypertension, inflammation, hyperlipidemia, and atherosclerosis. However, the potential pharmacological mechanism behind its anti-atherosclerotic effect has yet to be explored. AIM OF THE STUDY: The in vivo and in vitro effects of HLF on lipid-mediated foam cell formation were investigated, with a specific focus on the levels of secreted phospholipase A2 type IIA (sPLA2-II A) in macrophage cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The primary constituents of HLF were analyzed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. In vivo, HLF, at concentrations of 5 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg, and 40 mg/kg, were administered to apolipoprotein E knockout mice (ApoE-/-) fed by high-fat diet (HFD) for 16 weeks. Aorta and serum samples were collected to identify lesion areas and lipids through mass spectrometry analysis to dissect the pathological process. RAW264.7 cells were incubated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) alone, or ox-LDL combined with different doses of HLF (100, 50, and 25 µg/ml), or ox-LDL plus 24-h sPLA2-IIA inhibitors, for cell biology analysis. Lipids and inflammatory cytokines were detected using biochemical analyzers and ELISA, while plaque size and collagen content of plaque were assessed by HE and the Masson staining of the aorta. The lipid deposition in macrophages was observed by Oil Red O staining. The expression of sPLA2-IIA and SCAP-SREBP2-LDLR was determined by RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis. RESULTS: The chemical profile of HLF was studied using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, allowing the tentative identification of 20 compounds, comprising 1 phenolic acid, 9 flavonols and 10 flavones, including isovitexin, vitexin-4″-O-glucoside, quercetin-3-O-robibioside, rutin, vitexin-2″-O-rhamnoside, quercetin, etc. HLF decreased total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) levels in ApoE-/- mice (P < 0.05), reduced ox-LDL uptake, inhibited level of inflammatory factors, such as IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and IL-1ꞵ (P < 0.001), and alleviated aortic plaques with a thicker fibrous cap. HLF effectively attenuated foam cell formation in ox-LDL-treated RAW264.7 macrophages, and reduced levels of intracellular TC, free cholesterol (FC), cholesteryl ester (CE), IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1ß (P < 0.001). In both in vivo and in vitro experiments, HLF significantly downregulated the expression of sPLA2-IIA, SCAP, SREBP2, LDLR, HMGCR, and LOX-1 (P < 0.05). Furthermore, sPLA2-IIA inhibitor effectively mitigated inflammatory release in RAW264.7 macrophages and regulated SCAP-SREBP2-LDLR signaling pathway by inhibiting sPLA2-IIA secretion (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: HLF exerted a protective effect against atherosclerosis through inhibiting sPLA2-IIA to diminish SCAP-SREBP2-LDLR signaling pathway, to reduce LDL uptake caused foam cell formation, and to slow down the progression of atherosclerosis in mice.

EFFECT OF RELIGIOUS FASTING ON THE SERUM LEVEL OF PRE-HAPTOGLOBIN-2 AND SOME OTHER BIOCHEMICALS.

During the month of Ramadan, which falls on the ninth month of the Hijri Calendar, Muslims are obligated to observe religious fasting. The goal of the study was to examine the impact of fasting on various blood parameters, specifically zinc, magnesium, pre-haptoglobin-2, serum copper, total cholesterol, and HDL-cholesterol levels. In a study, a group of volunteers consisting of 20 men and 10 women agreed to partake in the fast, abstaining from food and drink for approximately 14-15 hours each day. The researchers collected two blood samples from each participant, one before the start of Ramadan fasting and another after 29 days of fasting, serum was separated and analysed for specified parameters. Serum zinc levels showed a significant (p<0.05) decrease after fasting. On the other hand, serum magnesium levels exhibited a significant (p<0.05) increase, Regarding pre-haptoglobin-2, there was a small, insignificant increase observed after 29 days of fasting. However, the study did not identify any significant changes in serum copper, total cholesterol, or HDL-cholesterol levels. Based on these findings, the study concludes that Ramadan fasting may necessitate zinc supplementation or an increase in the consumption of zinc-rich foods. Furthermore, it suggests a decrease in the intake of high-fat foods. These recommendations aim to counteract the observed decrease in serum zinc levels during fasting.

Antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects of fruit extract of Hodgsonia heteroclita (Roxb.) Hook. f. & Thomson in diabetic mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Hodgsonia heteroclita has been known as an important traditionally consumed medicinal plant of North-East India known to have antidiabetic properties. This study aims to investigate the effects of the ethanolic fruit extract of Hodgsonia heteroclita against hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia by using streptozotocin (STZ) treated diabetic mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The fruits of H. heteroclita were collected from the various parts of Kokrajhar district, Assam India (Geographic coordinates: 26°24'3.85″ N 90°16'22.30″ E). Basic morphological evaluations were carried out by the Botanical Survey of India, Eastern circle, Shillong, who also certified and identified the plant. Hexane, chloroform, and ethanolic extracts of the fruit of H. heteroclita were investigated for α-amylase inhibition assay as a rapid screening tool for examining anti-diabetic activity. The efficacy of ethanolic extract at a dose of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg body weight was tested for 21 days in STZ-induced diabetic mice. The body weight, fasting plasma glucose and serum lipids, and hepatic glycogen levels were measured in experimental animals to examine the antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic efficacy of the extract. Both HPTLC and LC-MS analysis was performed to examine the phyotochemicals present in the ethanolic extract of H. heteroclita. RESULTS: It has been observed that treatment with the ethanolic extract dose-dependently reduced the plasma glucose levels, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, triglyceride, and increased the body weight, liver glycogens and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol in STZ treated diabetic mice. HPTLC demonstrated the presence of triterpene compounds and LC-MS analysis revealed the presence Cucurbitacin I, Cucurbitacin E, and Kuguacin G as the triterpene phytoconstituents. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that ethanolic fruit extract of H. heteroclita improved both glycemic and lipid parameters in mice model of diabetes.

[Influence of the rat diet enrichment with oat ß-gucans on the assimilation of B group vitamins, mineral elements and lipid metabolism].

Despite the widespread use of oat ß-glucans as ingredient of foods and dietary supplements, there is insufficient data on their effect on the metabolism of vitamins and minerals. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of including oat bran with a high content of ß-glucans (ß-glucan) in the diet on the absorption of micronutrients and lipid metabolism in growing rats deficient in vitamins D, group B and trace elements (iron, copper, zinc). Material and methods. After the development of micronutrient deficiency (for 23 days), in order to assess the effect of oat bran (5%) with a high content of ß-glucans on the correction of the micronutrient status of growing male Wistar rats (with initial body weight of 70.7±0.7 g), the missing micronutrients were introduced in the semi-synthetic diet deficient in vitamins D, group B, iron, copper and zinc within 7 days either along with ß-glucan (1.47%) or without its addition. Indicators of micronutrient sufficiency (riboflavin serum concentration, daily urinary excretion of thiamine, riboflavin and 4-pyridoxic acid, measured by fluorometric methods; serum concentration and urinary excretion of calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, phosphorus, measured by the atomic absorption method or using standard methods on a biochemical analyzer) and the biochemical parameters of blood serum were compared with the parameters of rats adequately provided with all micronutrients throughout the experiment. Results. Replenishment of missing micronutrients in the diet of rats with deficiency in vitamins D and group B, iron, copper and zinc for 7 days led to the elimination of deficiency of vitamins B1, B2 and B6, regardless of the presence of ß-glucans in the diet. At the same time, against the background of the presence of ß-glucans in the feed, an increase in the absorption of iron was observed, as evidenced by an increase by 1.73 times in iron blood plasma level (р<0.05) and a tendency towards its urinary excretion decrease by 1.60 fold (р<0.10) compared to animals from the control group. Adding oat bran with ß-glucans to the feed did not lead to a decrease in blood plasma level of total cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins cholesterol. The levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides in rats of all three groups did not have statistically significant differences. Conclusion. The presence of ß-glucans in the diet had virtually no effect on the absorption of B vitamins and improved the absorption of iron.

Pt,P-codoped carbon nitride nanoenzymes for fluorescence and colorimetric dual-mode detection of cholesterol.

Cholesterol is an important lipid compound found in a variety of foods, and its level in human blood is closely related to human health. Therefore, development of rapid and accurate POCT (point-of-care testing) methods for cholesterol detection is crucial for assessing food quality and early diagnosis of diseases, in particular, in a resource-limited environment. In this study, a smartphone-assisted colorimetric biosensor is constructed based on platinum,phosphorus-codoped carbon nitride (PtCNP2) for the rapid detection of cholesterol. Phosphorus-doped carbon nitride is prepared by thermal annealing of urea and NH4PF6, into which platinum is atomically dispersed by thermal refluxing. The obtained PtCNP2 exhibits an excellent peroxidase-like activity under physiological pH, whereby colorless o-phenylenediamine (OPD) is oxidized to colored 2,3-diaminophenazine (DAP) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which can be produced during the oxidation of cholesterol by cholesterol oxidase. A smartphone-assisted visual sensing system is then constructed based on the color recognition software, and rapid on-site detection of cholesterol is achieved by reading the RGB values. Meanwhile, the generated DAP shows an apparent fluorescence signal and can realize highly sensitive detection of cholesterol by the change of the fluorescence signal intensity. Such a cholesterol sensor exhibits a wide linear detection range of 0.5-600 µg mL-1 and a low detection limit of 59 ng mL-1. The practicality of the sensor is successfully demonstrated in the rapid detection of cholesterol in serum and food.

Efficacy of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and its underlying mechanism in preventing bisphenol-A-induced metabolic disorders in mice.

To investigate the efficacy of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and its underlying mechanism in preventing bisphenol-A-induced metabolic disorders, in this study, a mice model of metabolic disorders induced by BPA was developed to investigate the efficacy and mechanism of EGCG using microbiomes and metabolomics. The results showed that EGCG reduced body weight, liver weight ratio, and triglyceride and total cholesterol levels in mice by decreasing the mRNA expression of genes related to fatty acid synthesis (Elov16) and cholesterol synthesis (CYP4A14) and increasing the mRNA expression of genes related to fatty acid oxidation (Lss) and cholesterol metabolism (Cyp7a1). In addition, EGCG normalized BPA-induced intestinal microbial dysbiosis. Metabolic pathway analysis showed that low-dose EGCG was more effective than high-dose EGCG at affecting the biosynthesis of L-cysteine, glycerophosphorylcholine, and palmitoleic acid. These results provide specific data and a theoretical basis for the risk assessment of BPA and the utilization of EGCG.

Resistance training maintains physical function but does not prevent changes in body composition and biochemical markers after detraining in aging adults.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to analyze the effects of 10 weeks of resistance training (RT) and subsequent 4 weeks of detraining on physical function, body composition, and biochemical markers in aging adults. METHODS: The study sample was selected by convenience and consisted of 12 women with a mean age of 58 ± 7 years. Physical function [Latin-American Group of Development for Maturity (GDLAM) general index], body composition, total and fractional cholesterol, triglycerides, and glycemia were assessed before and after RT (10 weeks) and detraining (4 weeks). RESULTS: After 10 weeks of RT, there were improvements in fat-free mass (39.1 ± 4.2 vs. 39.9 ± 4.4 kg; p < 0.05 and d = 0.2), fat mass (39.9 ± 6.3% vs. 38.7 ± 6.4%; p < 0.05 and d = -0.2), conicity index (1.47 ± 0.07 vs. 1.43 ± 0.06; p = 0.001 and d = -0.6), and physical function (GDLAM index [27.2 ± 5.5 vs. 25.0 ± 4.7; p = 0.001 and d = -0.4]). Significant improvements were also found in total cholesterol (271.8 ± 75.7 vs. 217.2 ± 52.2 mg/dL; p < 0.01 and d = -0.8), LDL-cholesterol (196.5 ± 61.6 vs. 159.3 ± 38.5 mg/dL; p < 0.01 and d = -0.7), HDL-cholesterol (53.1 ± 7.3 vs. 64.3 ± 23.7 mg/dL; p < 0.05 and d = 0.7), and triglycerides (165.8 ± 32.6 vs. 139.9 ± 46.6 mg/dL; p = 0.001 and d = -0.6). After the detraining period, all benefits in physical function were successfully maintained. CONCLUSION: RT provided benefits in physical function, body composition, and biochemical markers in aging adults. However, 4-week detraining impaired body composition and biochemical markers in the investigated sample.

Arenobufagin modulation of PCSK9-mediated cholesterol metabolism induces tumor-associated macrophages polarisation to inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma progression.

BACKGROUND: The tumor microenvironment (TME) of hepatocellular carcinoma is heterogeneous enough to be prone to drug resistance and multidrug resistance during treatment, and reprogramming of cholesterol metabolism in TME mediates tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) polarization, which has an impact on the regulation of malignant tumor progression. Arenobufagin (ARBU) was extracted and isolated from toad venom (purity ≥98 %), which is the main active ingredient of the traditional Chinese medicine Chan'su with good anti-tumor effects. PURPOSE: To investigate the regulatory effect of ARBU on lipid metabolism in tumor microenvironment, interfere with macrophage polarization, and determine its mechanism of action on liver cancer progression. METHODS: In this study, the inhibitory effect of ARBU on the proliferation of Hepa1-6 in C57 mice and the safety of administration were evaluated by establishing a transplanted tumor model of Hepa1-6 hepatocellular carcinoma mice and using 5-FU as a positive control drug. In addition, we constructed a co-culture system of Hepa1-6 cells and primary mouse macrophages to study the effects of ARBU on the polarization phenotypic transformation of macrophages and the proliferation and migration of hepatoma cells. The influence of ARBU on the metabolism of lipids in the hepatocellular carcinoma mouse model was investigated by combining it with lipidomics technology. The influence of ARBU on the PCSK9/LDL-R signaling pathway and macrophage polarization, which regulate cholesterol metabolism, was tested by using qRT-PCR, gene editing, IF, and WB. CONCLUSION: ARBU significantly inhibited the proliferation of Hepa1-6 in vivo and in vitro, regulated cholesterol metabolism, and promoted the M1-type polarization of macrophages in the tumor microenvironment. ARBU inhibits cholesterol synthesis in the TME through the PCSK9/LDL-R signaling pathway, thereby blocking macrophage M2 polarization, promoting apoptosis of the tumor cells, and inhibiting their proliferation and migration.

Antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic effects of hawthorn extract (Crataegus oxyacantha) in broiler chickens.

BACKGROUND: One of the main problems in the poultry industry is excess body fat, and the anti-fat effect of Cratagus extract has been confirmed in several studies. OBJECTIVES: The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of hawthorn extract (Crataegus oxyacantha) on growth performance, haematological variables and hepatic gene expression in broiler chickens reared at high altitude (2100 m). METHODS: A total of 225-day-old chicks (Ross 308) were randomly distributed into three treatments. Experimental treatments were prepared by adding 0.0, 0.2 and 0.4 mL of hawthorn extract per litre of consumption of water. RESULTS: The results showed that weight gain and feed conversion ratio were significantly improved and abdominal fat decreased by consumption of two levels of Crateagus extract when compared to the control (p < 0.05). Consumption of hawthorn extract decreased circulatory levels of malondialdehyde, triacylglycerol, total cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins cholesterol but increased ferric reducing antioxidant power and high-density lipoproteins cholesterol (p < 0.05). Hawthorn extract caused an up-regulation of catalase, superoxide dismutase1, glutathione peroxidase1 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha but reduced the expression of key lipogenic enzymes (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, consumption of 0.4 mL hawthorn extract per litre of drinking water, improved growth performance, suppressed lipogenesis and enhanced antioxidant response.

Feather meal processing methods impact the production parameters, blood biochemical indices, gut function, and hepatic enzyme activity in broilers.

This study investigated the effects of feather meal (FM) processing methods on production parameters, blood biochemical indices, intestinal morphology, digestive and hepatic enzyme activities, and gastrointestinal tract pH and microflora of broilers. A total of 480-d-old male broilers were used for 42 d in a completely randomized design with eight treatments and five replicates (12 chicks/replicate). Treatments were 1) a control diet (without FM), 2) a diet containing 4% raw FM (RFM), 3) a diet containing 4% processed FM (PFM) by autoclave (Au-PFM), 4) a diet containing 4% fermented FM (FFM) by Bacillus licheniformis (Bl-FFM), 5) a diet containing 4% FFM by Bacillus subtilis (Bs-FFM), 6) a diet containing 4% FFM by Aspergillus niger (An-FFM), 7) a diet containing 4% FFM by B. licheniformis + B. subtilis + A. niger (Co-FFM), and 8) a diet containing 4% PFM by an enzyme (En-PFM). Results showed that in the FFMs the contents of ash, ether extract, total volatile nitrogen, and amino acids including Lys, Met, Thr, Trp, His, Leu, Gly, Ile, Phe, and Tyr increased (P < 0.05), while crude fiber, crude protein, and dry matter content decreased (P < 0.05). Compared with the control, the Co-FFM diet had no significant differences (P > 0.05) in total body weight gain (2,827 vs. 2,791 g/chick), total feed intake (5,018 vs. 4,991 g/chick), European production efficiency factor (375 vs. 377), European Broiler Index (371 vs. 371), and feed conversion ratio (1.77 vs. 1.78 g/g). Feeding FFM decreased (P < 0.05) serum total cholesterol (1.46-fold), triglyceride (1.61-fold), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (1.61-fold), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (2.27-fold) compared to the control. Also, FFM increased (P < 0.05) villus height (1,045 to 1,351, 661 to 854, and 523 to 620 µm), and villus height to crypt depth ratio (6.15 to 8.45, 4.55 to 7.04, and 4.27 to 5.45), in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, respectively, compared to the control. Compared to the control, the Co-FFM diet increased (P < 0.05) protease (34, 39, and 45 %) in the pancreas, duodenum, and jejunum, as well as amylase (73, and 97 %) activities in the duodenum, and jejunum, respectively. Diets containing FFM reduced (P < 0.05) pH in the crop, gizzard, and ileum, and decreased (P < 0.05) Escherichia coli (6.12 to 5.70) count in ileum compared to the control. The Co-FFM diet increased (P < 0.05) lactic acid bacteria count in crop (6.77 to 7.50) and ileum (6.94 to 7.73), also decreased (P < 0.05) coliforms (6.31 to 5.75) count in ileum compared to the control. In conclusion, FM fermentation, particularly Co-FFM, improves the nutritional value of FM, converting it into a decent source of dietary protein for broilers.

Fermentation represents an attractive alternative method for feather meal (FM) efficient bioconversion and its nutritional value enhancement. This study investigated the effects of FM processing methods on broilers. Experimental diets were 1) a control diet (without FM), 2) a diet containing 4% raw FM (RFM), 3) a diet containing 4% processed FM (PFM) by autoclave (Au-PFM), 4) a diet containing 4% fermented FM (FFM) by Bacillus licheniformis (Bl-FFM), 5) a diet containing 4% FFM by Bacillus subtilis (Bs-FFM), 6) a diet containing 4% FFM by Aspergillus niger (An-FFM), 7) a diet containing 4% FFM by B. licheniformis + B. subtilis + A. niger (Co-FFM), and 8) a diet containing 4% PFM by an enzyme (En-PFM). Results showed that FFMs increased the contents of ash, ether extract, total volatile nitrogen, and amino acids including Lys, Met, Thr, Trp, His, Leu, Gly, Ile, Phe, and Tyr, while decreased crude fiber, crude protein, and dry matter content. The production parameters of birds fed Co-FFM were similar to the control group. In addition, FFMs decreased serum total cholesterol (1.46-fold), triglyceride (1.61-fold), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (1.61-fold), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (2.27-fold). Furthermore, Co-FFM improved intestinal morphology, enzyme activities, and beneficial bacterial populations. In conclusion, Co-FFM, improves the nutritional value of FM, converting it into a decent source of dietary protein for broilers.